Newcastle Closing In on “Monster” Signing Rated Above Woltemade

Newcastle United look increasingly likely to enter the January transfer market as Eddie Howe attempts to rescue a season that has drifted far below expectations. After lifting the Carabao Cup last year and securing Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, the Magpies have stumbled through the early months of the current campaign and now sit a worrying 14th in the Premier League table.

Their problems have been obvious and persistent. Newcastle’s away form has been dissected repeatedly, but the deeper crisis lies in their lack of creativity. Too often, Howe’s side struggle to carve out clear chances, leaving the burden to fall on young striker Nick Woltemade, who has impressed since stepping into the No. 9 role previously occupied by Alexander Isak. The German has been a revelation, but the supporting cast has not delivered with any real consistency.

The midfield—usually a zone of strength—has lacked spark, and with Joelinton under scrutiny for a run of poor performances, the need for a fresh creative presence has become unavoidable. Newcastle did attempt to address the issue during the summer by signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for over £40m, but the 24-year-old has yet to settle or produce the level of influence Howe hoped for.

That is why the club’s recruitment team have now turned their focus to Kees Smit, one of the brightest emerging talents in Dutch football. According to GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle have been informed that they must be prepared to break AZ Alkmaar’s club-record sale to land the teenager—meaning a fee of roughly £22m would be required to sign him in 2026. With Barcelona and Real Madrid also showing interest, the Magpies know they would need to move quickly.

Smit, just 19, has generated major excitement in the Netherlands thanks to his blend of physical dominance, composure and creativity. Analyst Ben Mattinson has even labelled him a “duel monster,” praising his ability to control contests in tight midfield battles. FBref analytics back this up: Smit ranks among the top 6% of midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for through balls, and the top 10% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

For Newcastle, Smit’s arrival could be transformative. Pairing his playmaking intelligence with Woltemade’s movement and physicality would give Howe a dynamic foundation on which to rebuild an attack that has lost its edge.

Whether Smit or Woltemade is the “bigger” talent is almost irrelevant. What matters for Newcastle now is acting decisively and securing a midfielder capable of reigniting a season that threatens to drift into mediocrity unless immediate reinforcements arrive.